“WE PROCLAIM HIM, ADMONISHING AND TEACHING WITH ALL WISDOM SO WE CAN PRESENT EVERYONE PERFECT IN CHRIST.” COLOSSIANS 1:28

MODULE 2 LESSON 2

Scriptural Use: Where-When-How to Apply Scripture in a Class Format

Using scripture in class takes balance and practice. You don’t want to oversaturate the class by saying the scripture too much or diminish the impact spiritually by saying it too little. 

Here are some helpful tips to know where and when to utilize scripture in a typical class format. 

Use scripture...

At the beginning of class:

In traditional yoga classes, you may have learned to set an intention. We can do the same in Christian yoga, but the intention needs to be scripturally based. ALWAYS begin the class with the intended scripture. 

At the beginning of a transition from one section to another. 

For example, when moving from a standing sequence to a seated sequence, you would say the scripture once everyone has settled into the seated pose. 

For the close of class. Use the scripture as the class closing (instead of Namaste). For more information on the topic of Namaste, enjoy this master class. Should I Say Namaste: The Answer Every Christian Yogi Wants to Know

During Meditation. 

At the end of class, before you close.  

During periods of rest or relaxation. 

In the middle of class to mark the ½ waypoint. 

During the practice, when the tone is physically, mentally, or emotionally intense. 

During specific poses- Balances, Warriors, heart openers, inversions, forward folds, backbends, twists, binds. 

Take note: In a typical one-hour class, you would probably not repeat the scripture more than 4-8 times. Some teachers use it less, and some use it more. Finding what works best for you will take practice and time. Be patient with the process. 

The more you practice teaching with scripture, the more comfortable you will feel integrating it. 

Now that we have covered Where and When to use scripture, let’s go on to how. 

How to Use Scripture: 

It is not always necessary to say the scripture in its entirety throughout the class. 

We DO open and close the class with the entire scripture. However, if you are in the middle of class or a pose, using a phrase or shortening the scripture while maintaining the main idea of it is appropriate. 

Going Deeper: 

Let’s say you selected Psalm 16:11 for your scriptural theme.  

In its entirety, Psalm 16:11 says: 

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

You open and close class with the entire verse of Psalm 16:11 but during class, while in a pose, you only use a portion of the scripture. 

Here are two possibilities of how you can shorten it. 

Shortened version: 

You make known to me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. 

Final Thoughts: 

As illustrated, there are various places where, when, and how you can use scripture. 

Remember to pray before you teach and ask God to partner with you on the mat, so he directs your teaching. When the class is Holy Spirit led, you will intuitively know where, when, and how to infuse scripture.